Psalms 78:3
Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 6
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁ֭מַעְנוּ
Which we have heard
H8085
שָׁ֭מַעְנוּ
Which we have heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 6
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וַנֵּדָעֵ֑ם
and known
H3045
וַנֵּדָעֵ֑ם
and known
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
3 of 6
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
וַ֝אֲבוֹתֵ֗ינוּ
and our fathers
H1
וַ֝אֲבוֹתֵ֗ינוּ
and our fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
4 of 6
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
Cross References
Psalms 44:1We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.Psalms 48:8As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. Selah.Exodus 13:8And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt.
Historical Context
This reflects Deuteronomy 6:4-9's command to teach children diligently about God's works and commandments. Ancient Israel lacked mass literacy; oral tradition preserved through family catechesis was crucial. The pattern continues: parents teach children (Ephesians 6:4), who teach their children (2 Timothy 2:2). Each generation fights the same battle: receiving, owning, and transmitting faith.
Questions for Reflection
- What has been "heard and known" from spiritual fathers/mothers that you must now tell the next generation?
- How do you personally "know" (experientially) what you've "heard" from others?
- What practices ensure you're faithfully transmitting gospel truth to those coming after you?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The psalmist establishes tradition: "Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us" (Hebrew asher shama-nu va-neda-em va-avoteynu sipperu lanu). Three verbs trace faith transmission: "heard" (received teaching), "known" (personally appropriated), "told" (passed to next generation). This verse models intergenerational discipleship—faith isn't invented but received, known experientially, then transmitted. Each generation must personally own what parents taught, then teach their children.